David Purdy has 36 years of industry experience in news, corporate, and studio photography. He has worked at The Des Moines Register, Meredith Corporation and as a freelance photographer. His work has been featured in Newsweek, Esquire, GQ, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and The New York Times, and on ESPN and Getty Images.
In 2005, Purdy and The Sun Herald (Biloxi, MS) staff received the Gold Medal Pulitzer Prize for valorous and comprehensive coverage of Hurricane Katrina. Purdy's work from Hurricane Katrina was published in two books: Katrina 8 Hours That Changed the Mississippi Gulf Coast Forever and Katrina Before & After.
Purdy has also received 22 years of photography awards from the Mississippi Press Association.
"My background in photojournalism has been extremely rewarding," said Purdy. "DMACC is a place where I can share my professional experience with others and help them discover and refine their photographic talents."
Purdy was an adjunct instructor at DMACC in 2008 and 2009; in 2013 he became the Photography Program Chair.
"The best aspect of our photography program is that it is designed to be very hands-on," said Purdy. "It's not uncommon to have a beginner who's just picked up a camera in the same course as someone who has been taking photos as a hobby for years. My goal is to treat each student individually and to motivate them to do their best work."
Purdy enjoys cycling and taking pictures of his wife and their twin boys, Finn and Jackson.
Email Purdy at dkpurdy@dmacc.edu.
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Photography Program
